Stand-in locos draw the fans

One of the 1960s locos being used at Norwich Station. Picture: Supplied

Archant

A golden era in British rail transport is being recreated daily in Norfolk – and people are travelling from far and wide to enjoy the spectacle.

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Two diesel locos built in the 1960s are turning the clock back by hauling trains on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth service.

The diesels, which operate at either end of three carriages – one pulling from Norwich, the other from Yarmouth, are in action while existing Greater Anglia units are repaired.

The class 47s, developed in the 1960s by Brush Traction at Crewe, are causing quite a stir among passengers and rail fans alike, many of whom have travelled to the region to see them.

Diesel-powered mainline services were phased out over many years and are now used mainly on special charter services.

The fleet of class 156 trains being replaced by the veterans are undergoing a £3m refurbishment programme, which will provide “significant improvements to customers.”

In addition, one class 153 train was damaged during the flooding and is also undergoing repair.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “We have hired two additional locomotives, to use with two existing inter-city carriages, to ensure we can provide as robust a service as possible, whilst some of our rural trains are being refurbished.”